Parents of Disabled Child Get ‘A’ for Effort

I am writing to thank Dianne Klein for her excellent article about the Taylor family’s fight to have their daughter, Sydney, attend school with regular-education students.

When my multiple-handicapped son was born 21 years ago, I started on the road of learning about those with disabilities. A master’s degree in special education and two decades of working as a professional and a volunteer, including participating as a plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court case, have taught me a great deal about the potential of those with special needs.

I was aghast that the special-education coordinator for Saddleback Valley Unified School District was unaware of the research showing the benefits to all children in the classroom when those with disabilities are included in regular classes.

My son, James, is far more handicapped than Sydney. Yet he too enjoys interactions with his friends, and they learn something from him--compassion, understanding and love. Perhaps some school administrator could learn something from him.

Thank you for the thoughtful article, which helps increase society’s awareness and acceptance of our children.

N. Karen Kelly, Tustin